Senior Director, Government Affairs

Senior Director, Government Affairs Innovation starts from the heart. Edwards Lifesciences is the global leader of patient-focused innovations for structural heart disease and critical care monitoring. With millions of patients served in over 100 countries, each team makes a meaningful contribution by improving patient outcomes and discovering lasting solutions for unmet patient needs.

Our Director, Government Affairs position is a unique career opportunity that could be your next step towards an exciting future.

The Senior Director of Government Affairs will lead high-impact federal advocacy and help shape public policy positions that support Edwards Lifesciences' patient-focused mission, innovation agenda, and business objectives. The role will build and sustain relationships with Congress, the Administration, federal agencies, trade associations, patient organizations, and other stakeholders while translating a changing political, legislative, regulatory, payment, and competitive landscape into clear strategies and actions for the company.

This leader will serve as a trusted counselor to senior executives and a connector across Public Affairs, business units, Legal and Compliance, Regulatory Affairs, Global Health Economics and Reimbursement, Corporate Strategy, Communications, Patient Engagement, and other internal partners. The position requires both strategic judgment and hands-on execution in a fast-moving, highly regulated environment.

Develop and execute a comprehensive, federal government affairs strategy aligned with enterprise priorities and patient access goals. Build and deepen relationships with members of Congress, congressional staff, and federal agencies, with particular focus on expanding Edwards' network of credible policy champions. Monitor and assess legislation, regulation, political developments, and emerging policy proposals affecting medical technology, structural heart innovation, patient access, reimbursement, tax, trade, competition, supply chain, manufacturing, and the broader life sciences ecosystem.

Translate policy developments into concise business implications, options, recommendations, and action plans for senior leadership and cross-functional partners. Lead the development of policy positions, advocacy materials, executive briefings, hearing and meeting preparation, written comments, coalition strategies, and stakeholder engagement plans. Represent Edwards before policymakers, trade associations, coalitions, patient and provider organizations, and other external stakeholders, ensuring a consistent and credible company voice.

Coordinate closely with Global Health Economics and Reimbursement colleagues on coverage, payment, and health care delivery priorities, including alignment between policy development and advocacy execution. Partner with Legal and Compliance to conduct government affairs activities in accordance with lobbying, ethics, political activity, and other applicable requirements. Support Edwards Political Action Committee strategy and engagement, as appropriate, in partnership with PAC leadership and in compliance with applicable law and company policy.

Lead complex, cross-functional projects from issue identification through execution, measurement, and follow-up; establish clear ownership, timelines, and outcomes. Develop internal understanding of government affairs priorities by engaging business leaders and subject-matter experts and by providing timely, audience-appropriate updates. Mentor colleagues and contribute to an inclusive, collaborative, accountable, and high-performing Government Affairs team culture.

This position is on-site, expected to be based in Edwards Lifesciences' Washington, D.C. office.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in government, public policy, political science, health policy, law, business, life sciences, or a related field.
• Minimum 14 years experience of previous related experience in state government affairs or equivalent work experience based on Edwards criteria.
• Experience in all aspects of running a Political Action Committee.
• Experience in healthcare, with substantial experience in government relations, sales, tendering or pricing, reimbursement function, regulatory in multinational pharmaceutical or medical device companies or equivalent work experience based on Edwards criteria.

• Advanced degree in public policy, law, health…